Arad car dealership scandal: dozens of clients claim they lost money and cars

Dozens of disgruntled customers gathered in Arad, Romania, to protest a local car dealership, alleging that the company accepted payments for vehicles that were never delivered. This marks the second public demonstration by the affected individuals, who claim to have lost both their money and their expected vehicles.

According to reports, the victims have paid sums ranging from 12,000 to nearly 80,000 euros over the past two years for new cars. In many cases, customers state they only ever saw the vehicles they purchased in photographs, never receiving the actual automobiles.

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I will also appeal to the Court of Appeal in The Hague if justice is not done to me in the courts of our country.

One frustrated customer, a retired priest from the commune of Vinga, expressed his determination to seek justice, stating, "I will also appeal to the Court of Appeal in The Hague if justice is not done to me in the courts of our country." This sentiment reflects the deep distrust and desperation felt by those who believe they have been defrauded.

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We paid, where are the cars?

Authorities are investigating the case, with the Prosecutor's Office at the Arad Tribunal announcing that the administrator of the firm is under investigation. Initially, 83 individuals reported that they had purchased cars that were not delivered, with the estimated prejudice exceeding 10 million lei (approximately 2 million euros). However, victims believe the actual financial loss is significantly higher, potentially reaching several million euros.

The dealership involved is currently in insolvency proceedings. The company's lawyer, Silvestru Hosszu, stated that precautionary measures cover assets and sums amounting to approximately 9.3 million lei and 347,665 euros. He noted that not all claimants have followed the same legal path, with some filing criminal complaints while others have submitted claims without involving law enforcement. Approximately 50 of the undelivered vehicles are reportedly stored in a warehouse in Curtici, and the defense has requested these be secured to prevent their sale pending the investigation. The company has ceased car sales and now operates solely as a service center.

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Respect for the client does not go into insolvency.